The Metropolitan Cathedral is one of the most striking buildings in the Zócalo and is not to be missed on your first visit to Mexico City.

If you're in the historic centre, I recommend taking a peek inside for the monumental interior and atmosphere of one of the most important churches in all of Latin America.

Construction of the cathedral began in 1573 and was completed in 1813.

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Worth a visit?	Yes
Length of visit	20-40 minutes
Admission	Free
Reservation	Not required

What you will see here

• The largest cathedral in Latin America
• Richly decorated altars and chapels (several altars including the monumental central altar)
• the monumental nave
• a building that has historically caved in and tilted due to soft ground

But don't expect a view or an extensive museum. Most visitors make do with a brief tour of the interior.

Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Metropolitan Cathedral is 128 metres long, 67 metres wide and 67 metres high too.

Practical information

The cathedral is open daily 9am-5:30pm and entry to the main part is free.

During services, tourist movement may be restricted in some parts.

Photography is normally allowed, it is just advisable to behave with respect to the religious ceremonies taking place.

Please allow approximately 20 to 40 minutes for your visit.

What did I like?

To be honest, I wasn't that impressed with the cathedral from the outside, if you just look at the facade.

It's a nice, but pretty plain church.

But from the side, it's only just becoming apparent how huge the cathedral is.

And I found the central altar filling a large part of the nave quite monumental. I definitely recommend taking at least a 10 minute peek inside as well.

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